13 Secrets Reality TV Show Producers Won’t Tell You

Want to know how to get on a reality TV show, and what to expect if you make it? Get ready to be disillusioned.

Some shows are more “real” than others

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Not all reality shows are the same, and some are heavily staged. On House Hunters, some of the houses toured on camera were reportedly friends’ homes that weren’t even on the market. And for day-in-the-life shows about different occupations, many producers fake scenarios (like a tree falling on a logger) to add drama.

Contestants will alter their entire personalities for us

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I once had a woman cast as a villain who turned out to be the nicest lady ever. As producer, I sat her down and said, “Listen, you were cast in this role. If you want to make good TV, if you want the series to come back and make more money next year, then you need to play along. If you don’t, you’re going to be cut out entirely.” It worked.

We love getting into contestants’ heads on camera

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The on-camera interviews are especially produced. You can nudge a cast member to think a certain way or tell them something that will change their tune. These are some of the most addictive TV shows on Netflix.